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Chevelle Digital Gauge Cluster - En-Gaugement

Our first order of business was to remove the carpeting from the area above the transmission tunnel, thus allowing room for the installation of the horseshoe shifter. After making some measurements, the proper holes were drilled and the shifter was bolted into place.

Next we were required to bolt the shifter cable bracket to the transmission linkage (these are transmission model specific, note when ordering). Once the bracket was installed we routed our shifter cable, attaching it at the transmission linkage and shifter. All adjustments were simply made via the slot contained within the shifter itself.

Included in the kit are the signal generator for the speedometer, coolant temperature sensor, and oil pressure sensor. All of the aforementioned sensors/senders are easily installed in the stock locations.

Once all of the units are secured, wiring can be neatly run up into the firewall through a common location to eventually be connected to the control unit (brain). While under the hood we also made the proper connections for the tachometer.

This was a breeze considering that this "A" body contained an aftermarket ignition system. (Be sure to keep all wiring away from the exhaust system and ignition system components, to avoid possibly causing electrical interference.)

Our next mission was to remove the dash pad from the Malibu. In order to do so, we removed the four screws securing the pad near the instrument cluster area; we were then required to remove the two screws in the glovebox opening.

Once all proper screws were removed, the dash pad pulled out with ease.

The '70-72 Malibu/Chevelle gauge cluster and bezel are part of the lower dash assembly, therefore removal of the entire dash was necessary in order to convert to the SS style.

The dash is fastened at many locations, including: the upper left, right and middle, under the dash, under the steering column, and behind the ashtray area.

Previous removal of the dash pad gave us the access needed to remove the upper fasteners.

In order to access the lower dashboard mounting points, the steering column is lowered by removing the fasteners retaining it to the column bracket. (Lay the column down slowly, being careful not to rip or pull the wiring harness.)

Once all of the mounting fasteners have been removed from dashboard, we carefully laid it to rest on the transmission hump and began removal of all wiring and heater control connections. The dashboard was then completely removed from the vehicle. (We didn't even find any furry creatures hiding inside!)

Now that the dash assembly was out of the car it was time to install the new digital instrument panel, headlight switch, wiper switch and heater control unit.

Back in the vehicle it was time to choose a location for the control unit (brain) to be installed. We chose to fit it behind the radio cavity, as this would be a suitable location if access were needed at a later date. Now was also the perfect opportunity to route and attach all necessary connections between the control unit and sensors/senders, along with all powers and grounds.

After finishing up with the connections it was time to begin reassembly of the dashboard. By reversing the previously mentioned steps, we laid the dash back into its home and fastened it back into place. We're really digging the SS styling as opposed to the old rectangular styled unit.

Once the dashboard was properly aligned with the firewall and tightened, we installed the dash pad, glovebox door, and ashtray assembly following the same steps in which they were removed.

After a final visual inspection the battery was reconnected, the ignition key turned forward, and Voila! We were happily greeted with the new SS styled dash with a vibrant blue display.

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